Quakers!

[JaumeJ]

I have heard only good things about Quakers all of my life. As for their theology, I am not versed fully in that regard. It is my understanding they do not believe in war. The name, Quaker, comes from the tradition of the congregation waiting to be moved by the Holy Spirit....this is my understanding, and all have the opportunity to speak, teach or prophesy at their meetings. Regardless, if we were to look at all denominations from a strictly Bible-based analysis, they would all come up as somewhat or completely apostetic in that they all disagree with each other on one or a myriad of points, while the Bible has remained the same for centuries.
Jesus teaches us through Paul that many pagans have the truth inscribed on the tables (tablets) of their heart with their own conscience accusing and/or accusing as they act. Also God teaches us that some people may be disobedient by His will, and no one can withstand God's will. These teachings assure me that I should judge with right judgment and not by appearances which is also a teaching from our Lord, Jesus Christ. Thus, I have always believed there are believers in all walks of life, but only God knows who the true ones are, and at the same time I am not gifted to select the true theology for me, other than Jesus loves me, God is Love, and to try to be as much like Jesus Christ as I am able. I love fellowshipping with all who believe Jesus Christ is God and Savior, especially Messianic Jews, but all who love Jesus are my family. God bless all in Jesus Christ, amen.

 

[francina]

I just met a Quaker online. He was pretty orthodox in his doctrine, except they did not have a single pastor over a church (which they call meetings). They have so many different sects that believe so many different things, they should have different names really. His branches doctrine was in line with what I originally heard of them, that they were more against sin. I read about the original guys who thought all worldliness, including planting a garden, was a sin of indulgence. They got beat up by Calvinist on college campus for going around saying 'Thee & Thou'. With all the abuse they got from the Calvinist there would be people who would want to change to escape the persecution. I think that is why so many 'leaders' came up with their different versions of Quakerism.
The set who think the bible is not the inspired Word of God are not believers no matter how much they name the name of Christ.

 

[phil36]

Hi francina,

It's good to chat to others with differing beliefs. I have had many a good chat with 3 quakers I personally know. Just to clairfy, the differing sects you quote are all in fellowship with each other, it doesnt matter. it's the inner light that matters.

Although outsiders usually regard the movement as a Christian denomination, not all Quakers see themselves as Christians; some regard themselves as members of a universal religion that (for historical reasons) has many Christian elements.

Tolerance is part of the Quaker approach to life, so Quakers are willing to learn from all other faiths and churches.

Remember when we talk about the Puritans, you also have to remember the historical context. That doesn't excuse, but puts a different perspective than that which is usually protrayed, this was mainly in England, turbulent times..anyhow you can read the history of that period for yourself.

 

[Scotth1960]

I believe that they started as a Christian movement and that you can be a Quaker and a Christian. I think it is harder to know about the organization because they have no set beliefs. I also think there is something to be learned by observing what happened to the Quakers over the years.
Trivia: What American President was a Quaker?

Both Herbert Hoover and Richard M. Nixon were Quakers, I believe.

 

[JaumeJ]

President Nixon.

 

[zone]

​

"Dallas Willard understands Quaker thinking about as well as anybody," Foster acknowledged. "I had him do a study once on George Fox and his insights just blew me away."

An Interview with Richard Foster​

Lighthouse Trails Research Project - Exposing Contemplative Spirituality​

Contemplative Spirituality: A belief system that uses ancient mystical practices to induce altered states of consciousness (the silence) and is rooted in mysticism and the occult but often wrapped in Christian terminology. The premise of contemplative spirituality is pantheistic (God is all) and panentheistic (God is in all). Common terms used for this movement are "spiritual formation," "the silence," "the stillness," "ancient-wisdom," "spiritual disciplines," and many others. ​

Spiritual Formation: A movement that has provided a platform and a channel through which contemplative prayer is entering the church. Find spiritual formation being used, and in nearly every case you will find contemplative spirituality. In fact, contemplative spirituality is the heartbeat of the spiritual formation movement.​

 

[Dude653]

I dunno if they are Christians, but they make some dang good oatmeal and granola.

oatmeal is awesome!!!!!!

 

[QuestionTime]

Greetings,

This thread was created as an attack against myself for having a picture of George Fox as my Avatar, as well as for questioning the doctrines of "Original Sin" and "Eternal Torment."

I am glad that someone well versed in the history of Christendom was able to come to the defense of the Fox lead Quaker movement. George Fox - even from his youth - was a more godly man than 99.999% of those who claim to be Christians today, and equally godly to that remaining 00.001%.

Fox was disgusted with the churches of his day because of their dead faith. I'm sure that he desired to be nothing like them, which is perhaps why the pattern of church services amongst Quakers was so much different. But other than the fact that they didn't exactly follow the standard pattern we follow today (one man standing at the front preaching) I don't see any difference between them and any other denomination.

 

[phil36]

Hi QuestionTime,

Haven't seen you around in a longtime, How have you been keeping? Good I hope?

Phil